Exemplary Practice

Exemplary
Professional Practice

Integrating nursing practice and collaboration throughout the organization to achieve a culture of safety, quality monitoring and quality improvement.

Inspiring nurses

Research shows that having a higher percentage of BSN-prepared nurses in the workplace improves patient outcomes. To inspire nurses at Cook Children's to further their education on their own terms, Nursing Administration's Magnet Program Director Julie Withaeger addressed common barriers through recorded interviews with nurses who overcame individual obstacles and successfully went back to school. A movie theater-style debut was held and colleges of Nursing were invited to share information and answer questions about their Nursing programs. Following the event, more than 130 nurses began making plans for continuing their education.

Vascular Access

A dedicated team of vascular access nurses gives our pediatric patients a better experience. The vascular access team, in addition to inserting peripheral lines, also inserts PICC lines using sonography, as recommended by the Infusion Nurses Society. PICC line success has increased from about 85 to 95 percent. The team has grown from three specialized staff members to 14 members since 2010.

Wound Care

The Skin and Wound Action Team (S.W.A.T.) consists of 62 specially-trained staff members throughout the facility. A wound can cost thousands of dollars for the organization and additional time and discomfort for the patient. The wound care team eases the financial burden as well as the patient's pain and psychological effects from a wound. Specific wound care education for staff members increases the quality of care the patient receives.